5:55 Curragh Tips

Mordor won easily at Killarney, and a 9lb rise in the handicap should not stop him from winning again for trainer Gordon Elliott.

London City is a grey 4-year-old son of Justify ex Winter, who herself was a winner at Group 1 level. He runs here in this 2m handicap off a mark of 102. He won his 1m2f maiden at 11/10f at Dundalk (AW) in April '24. He then won his 1m4f handicap at York at 11/2 off a mark of 93 in May '24. He carries 10-2 here, and he may prove too strong for his mainly older rivals. He's been off the course for over one year, but I think he's up to winning here.

With 6 victories out of 23 flat races, the latest triumph occurred at Dundalk in January. Sporting cheekpieces for the first time the 6-year-old delivered an impressive 2nd place finish in a handicap here at Curragh just 25 days ago. He seems poised to perform well again, but I recommend placing an each-way bet at 20/1 for the best opportunity to secure a profit.

Dual purpose type who finished down the field at Ballinrobe last run over 23f but was 2nd last run on the flat at Dundalk over a way too short 12f trip staying on well at the business end . Looking to defend crown after winning this race last year off a mark of 73 . Is running off 79 today but claimer is taking 3Lb off & arrives here off a low & competitive mark .

Going out on a limb here with the rank outsider currently. Brilliant Light is in stall number 20, which is a tough draw and could make things awkward early. Last seen 29 days ago when held up in a 2m4f handicap hurdle at Listowel. This is his first flat run since 2022. He has 38 career runs with 4 wins and 9 places, showing a 10% win rate and 34% place rate. He has a good strike rate over this distance on the flat with one win from two tries and handles good ground fine. Now with John Hanlon and booked with Gavin Ryan, the mark looks a little high for a reappearance after a long time off the level, but I have every faith in the new trainer's abilities. The pace should be strong here, which might help and could sneak a place if fully tuned up by Shark.